Originally from London with Nigerian heritage, and now based in Los Angeles, Harmony ‘H-Money’ Samuels is more than just a songwriter and producer, he is a bridge connecting cultures and genres. A self-taught musician since the age of four, H-Money has used his talents to create a universal language through music, from his work with Ariana Grande and Summer Walker, to his collaborations with Destiny’s Child and Fifth Harmony. With ‘Tic Tik’, H-Money is reigniting his mission to unify the world through music, as he brings his two worlds of R&B and afrobeats together in a seminal and innovative new way, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in his renowned career.
‘Tic Tik’ sees Harmony Samuels stepping out from behind the scenes and into the spotlight after years of crafting hits for artists like Ariana Grande, Janet Jackson, and Jennifer Lopez, with Harmony now channeling his vast experience into his own artistry.
With its seamless fusion of afrobeats, pop, and dancehall, this track is the first glimpse of Harmony’s upcoming ‘Fro & Bee’ EP, which promises to blend his Nigerian heritage with his roots in R&B and pop to create a unique and infectious new sound.
What’s the story behind ‘Tic Tik’?
Tic Tic is the first single from my first EP called Fro & Be. It’s the Fire starter to an amazing body of work with features from Rotimi, Neyo, Maleek Berry, Kidi and many more.
Why REEKADO BANKS as a feature for this?
Reekado blessed me with his vocals on this single. I am currently working on his album as an executive producer, so it was only right to start my introduction as an artist In Nigeria with one of Nigeria’s very own Princes
You mix afrobeats with your R&B and pop background, but how do you approach each individual track?
I mean its ingredients that all work well together when done correctly. We have seen songs like ‘In My Bed’ or even a ‘Last Last’ embody R&B elements and an afrobeats swing, all wrapped in pop sensibility. This is the formula I love to use to bridge the gap.
Who are some of your favorite afrobeats artists right now and why?
Rema, Asake and Ruger, all 3 have made such an impact in a short space of time. All have signature sounds and have their own individual Identities and stories. They have moved the needle for afrobeats today for sure!!
How is the afrobeats scene and culture present in LA?
The afrobeats scene in LA is lively and growing fast. The city’s diverse population has really embraced the genre, leading to more events, clubs, and radio stations that focus on afrobeats. Many African artists perform in LA, and the local crowd loves the energetic and rhythmic beats. This has made afrobeats an important and exciting part of LA’s music culture.
What made you want to teach yourself music as a child?
I believe I was born with this talent. I have never had a lesson or had the funds to be taught any instruments, so everything I learnt was from sight or by ear. Church really helped me define my musical ability.
Out of all the artists you worked with, who left a mark on your artistic and human experience the most and why?
I think one of the most magical moments was meeting Whitney Houston. We were planning on working on her next album, I produced a song called ‘Danger Love’ for her that we planned on recording, but she ended up passing. We even shared a moment of prayer in the studio. I was in total Awe, she is a Queen and a true Superstar.
Tell us about Studio Studies and BOE Global. What made you want to start these ventures?!
Knowledge is wealth but we are all not privileged to gain that knowledge. I always promised that I would invest that knowledge in those coming up. I want to make sure that young entrepreneurs and creatives get the knowledge I have learnt, to be able to apply it, not only in business but spiritually too
